Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts Read Free Book Online Page A

narrowed. “We’re expected to know everything about the sport of rodeo and its profession, fromwho won last year’s world championships to horse-related injuries or diseases. And that’s just the interview portion.”
    â€œYet, it probably seems easy compared to what you’re up against today.” Jared shifted to see her better and considered her trials. Raising a family was hard enough when circumstances were good, but having to raise two siblings, run a ranch, and deal with her father’s death might prove too much for a young woman to bear. He knew then that God had called him to help this family. “I want you to know that if you need anything, you can call me. Even if it’s to help around the ranch or to spend time with Dillon.”
    Natalie stared at her boots. “Why would you do that? You hardly know us.”
    â€œI know your circumstances.” When the moment turned too quiet, he nudged her elbow. “Come on, let me see your smile…that competition smile you save for judges.”
    Her mouth angled into a slight grin and soon widened into a dazzling smile he’d seen once before when they’d first met. Though he figured she’d trained for such moments, his heart thumped against his chest just as it had done at the river. If he’d been one of the judges in December, he’d have given her the title—no question.
    N ATALIE DASHED TO THE BATHROOM AND SPLASHED HER PUFFY EYES WITH cold water. She pressed a wet washcloth to her hot cheeks. What was she thinking? To confide in their dinner guest, a man she hardly knew, and to lose control so thoroughly? Her father would be ashamed of her weakness. She turned off the faucet and heard the grandfather clock ticking in the next room joined by the muffled bass from Chelsey’s stereo upstairs. At least the kids hadn’t witnessed the breakdown.
    In no mood to deal with her father’s unorganized finances, Natalie ignored the office as she passed by and spotted instead her mother’s buffet cabinet where family pictures and other items werestored. Feeling nostalgic, she opened one of the pine doors and a stack of boxes greeted her, friends from her childhood. She pulled out one of the puzzles with a picture of galloping horses against a stormy sky. Captivated, she was about to lift the lid when a knock sounded from the kitchen screen. Natalie looked up to see Willard’s head peek in through the door.
    â€œI saw your light on. Thought you might like some company.”
    The familiar voice comforted her. “Like old times?” She set the puzzle aside.
    Willard joined her in the dining room, his tall frame beginning to slump at the neck and shoulders. His gaze wandered to the open door of the buffet cabinet. “Going through your dad’s things?”
    Natalie shrugged. “Not if I can talk you into a game of checkers.”
    He flashed a smile, his white dentures gleaming. “If I’m not mistaken, I think your dad kept a set in the top drawer over there.” A long crooked finger pointed to the coffee table in the living room.
    â€œIt’s been a while since you and I played checkers.” Natalie followed him to the table and noticed his limp, which had grown worse this past year. “I was never very good, but Dad loved the game.”
    The man chuckled. “He probably got that from his daddy. He and I used to play in Nam. That’s how we knew each other so well. Your grandpa insisted we play every evening after chow. Said it reminded him of home. Even though I was his sergeant, I enjoyed listening to his tales, like the night he and his friends roped a young cow in the middle of a pasture, only his mount spooked and dragged the pesky heifer a couple miles before they shut the horse down.” His eyes glistened at the memory as he eased himself onto the worn couch.
    Natalie didn’t remember much about her grandpa, but she always enjoyed